Question 1

How does a Tide Card Reader work?

Accepted Answer

To take a payment using the Tide Card Reader or Tide Card Reader Plus, you don’t need to do anything in the Tide app, or even have it handy.

Instead, select: ‘Payment’ > enter the price > ‘Continue’, directly on the terminal.

Your customer can tap or insert their card, and the payment will land in your account within 3 business days.

If you prefer, you can use the Tide app to take a payment with your card reader, too.

In the app, tap: Sales > Take a payment > enter the price and a description > Take a payment.

After your customer taps or inserts their card in the terminal, the payment will land in your account within 3 business days.

Question 2

Do you need the internet to use a Tide Card Reader?

Accepted Answer

In order for the Tide Card Reader to work and process payments, you will need internet access. The card reader device comes with a SIM card and WiFi compatibility, so you can use its built-in 4G or connect to a WiFi network.

Question 3

Do I need a Tide business bank account to use a card reader?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the Tide Card Reader is only compatible with Tide business bank accounts.

Question 4

How do I get a Card Reader for my small business?

Accepted Answer

It’s easy. Simply sign up for a free Tide business bank account. After that you can order your Card Reader within the Tide app.

Question 5

How safe is a Tide Card Reader?

Accepted Answer

The Tide Card Reader, provided by Adyen, is a PCI PTS-approved Secure Card Reader. When using the card reader as the payment interface, the payment details are encrypted immediately.

If a customer uses Apple Pay, when using an iPhone as the payment interface, transactions are encrypted and handled using Apple's Secure Element.

Question 6

What should I do when I receive my Card Reader delivery?

Accepted Answer

As your Tide Card Reader will process sensitive card data, you must verify that the device you received is the correct one, and hasn’t been tampered with. There are a few ways to do this:

Check that the box containing the machine hasn't been opened and that the security seal is still intact. The security seal is a red label with a barcode and a number, stuck across the lid of the box.
Next, break the security seal and take the device out of the box. Verify that the serial number (S/N) on the device matches the serial number on the box.
Inspect the device for tampering. Check for missing seals or screws, additional wires or labels, holes in the device, and anything inserted in or attached to any part of the device.

If you have any concerns about your package or device then please contact Tide support immediately.

Question 7

Can I cancel my order after it has been placed?

Accepted Answer

Generally, you can’t cancel an order once it’s been placed. However, in case of delivery failures, such as items lost in transit or orders that remain undelivered for more than 30 days, Tide members can choose between re-delivery or a refund. Please refer to our cancellations and returns policy for more details.

Question 8

How are Tide Card Reader payments processed?

Accepted Answer

We’ve partnered with Adyen to facilitate the collection and processing of payments from your customers when you use your Tide Card Reader. Adyen will hold your money in a payment processing account which we refer to as “Merchant Account”. Adyen uses the Merchant Account to collect and record the payments received by your customers when they pay via the Tide Card Reader before the transactions are processed by Adyen and sent to your Tide Business Account. Adyen’s Ts&Cs apply to the Merchant Account and the payments processed in it.

TIDE CARD READER

Lower Fees, Bigger Rewards

Transaction fees suited to every business

£199£29.99

£12.99 + VAT

1.39% +5p%0.9% + 5p*

Do you process over £8,300 in payments each month?

Designed to keep your cash flow flowing

Avoid payment delays

No contracts

Enjoy unlimited 4G data

Connect anywhere

Choose the card reader that’s right for your business

Tide Card Reader

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Tide Card Reader Plus

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For help choosing your Card Reader give our team a call on +44 0204 538 8443

Need to accept payments now but haven’t chosen a device yet?

The simple, safe solution for you and your customers

The smart and fast way to keep on top of sales

Card Reader FAQs